Airport Experience® News - ACDBE 2023

ACDBE ISSUE 2023

Dear Readers,

ACDBE ISSUE 2023 / V21 N247

It’s difficult to believe that we’re already entering the summer travel season. Thus far, the year’s vibrant traveler numbers are underscoring the fact that the pandemic is fully in the rear-view mirror. With demand coming back strong, airports are pushing ahead with terminal expansions and refurbishments. Concessionaires are building out new locations or improving existing ones. All the activity brings new and welcome vitality to the airport concessions business. The current issue of Airport Experience News is all about the small businesses that help create the dynamic, local experiences in airports across the country. In this issue we offer articles on some of the most successful ACDBE-certified firms and their strategies for success; on ways concessionaires are connecting with small, local companies to further enhance the traveler experience; and on airports that have altered their leasing strategies to ensure small players can get a proverbial foot in the door. This coverage leads into the annual Airport Minority Advisory Council conference in June, one of three industry conferences dotting the June schedules of airport and concessions professionals throughout North America. We look forward to connecting with all of you at the various events. Looking ahead, AXN is bringing back the summer Food & Beverage issue! In that issue – due out in mid-July – we’ll delve into topics including the future of airport fine dining and menu strategies for profit optimization, and we’ll put a spotlight on some of the industry’s most dynamic bars. A big thank you to all our readers and advertisers who are crucial to our ongoing efforts to connect the industry. We appreciate the continuing support and hope you enjoy this spring issue of AXN!

THE

ISSUE

PARTNERS SEEK NEW SMALL BIZ TALENT

SMALL PLAYERS WIN BIG CONTRACTS

AIRPORTS EASE PATH FOR CERTIFIED FIRMS

AIRPORTS, AIRLINES BRACE FOR DEMAND BOOM

All the best,

Carol Ward Editor-in-Chief

Airport Experience News carol@airportxnews.com

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